cement finishers they were!

I found these pictures from 2000 when Cindy's dad was able to visit Mile High Stadium after his stroke. Her dad and brother John both worked in the concrete industry as "cement finishers"  and helped build this stadium in Denver.  Cindy always says "John was smart and could do just about anything".  We miss you both! 

tracing family history in NC

Buried at the Rutherford County Cemetery near Forest City, NC - my great-grandparents on my mother's side of the family. This is the same cemetery where my grandparents are buried.

Jobie Allen (May 20, 1872 - April 20, 1927)

Harriett Briggs Allen (March 27, 1881 - May 13, 1967)

They had six children:

Bessie Edna (Woods); Ethel Mae (Rice); Leila Idunia (Davis);

John Lloyd Allen; Gattis Ervin Allen; and Margaret (Hughes)

Salute to Veterans in the family

I found a couple old photos of my dad and his brother when they were in the service back in the 1940's. 

Pictured at left is my uncle Lawrence Franklin and below my dad, Gene Franklin. I know my dad was 18 when he joined in 1944 and served two years until 1946.  My grandfather Charles Clinton Franklin died in early 1946 while dad was still in the Navy, so he missed the funeral.  

Thankful for their service to our country! 

memories, like the corners of my mind...

This past week would have been the birthday of my cousin Patricia Franklin Brown.  It has been less than a year since she went home to glory, and I thought I would post this sweet picture from 1959 this week:                       Pat with her little brother Jerry Kirby and her mother, my aunt Emily Franklin Kirby Jones. I am sure they are enjoying Heaven together, but we sure do miss you down here! 

Honor thy father and mother

We took mom and dad to place new fall flowers on my grandparents' graves.  First, we visited Thompson Chapel Cemetery above where Dad's Father and Mother are buried.  Then we traveled to Caroleen, NC to visit the grave site of Mom's Father and Mother.  

It has been a long time since they passed, but it is nice to know they are remembered!

Arlene M. Franklin Marques (September 7, 1951-September 12, 2013)

We are sad to learn that one my first cousins died last week in Rhode Island.  Arlene was the daughter of my dad's late brother Lawrence (and Mary) Franklin.   

You can read the obit that was posted below - 

Arlene M. (Franklin) Marques,, 62, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 after a long, but courageous battle with colon cancer. She was the devoted wife of John A. Marques of Warwick. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of Mary (Marcoccio) Franklin of Warwick and the late Lawrence Franklin.
Arlene was a Vice President at Bank of America's managing travel and expense department. Prior to being V.P., she also worked for MetLife's Dental Claims department and Citizens Bank as a Day Trader. She also loved traveling, especially on cruise lines, gardening and cooking. She had six wonderful grandchildren whom were the light of her life.
Besides her husband and mother, she is survived by three children: Scott Marques of Cranston, Michael Marques of Warwick and Robin Tomlinson of Apex, NC; three brothers: Lawrence of North Scituate, Wayne of Warwick and John of North Kingstown and six grandchildren: Braelyn, Alyssa, Avery, Jack, Madeleine and Caroline.
A prayer service will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick at 4 PM on Saturday, September 14. Calling hours will be from 1-4 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St
Framingham, MA.
- See more at: http://www.carpenterjenks.com/obituary/Arlene-M.-Marques/Warwick-RI/1243485#sthash.o9d4knK2.dpuf

Arlene M. (Franklin) Marques,, 62, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 after a long, but courageous battle with colon cancer. She was the devoted wife of John A. Marques of Warwick. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of Mary (Marcoccio) Franklin of Warwick and the late Lawrence Franklin.

 

Arlene was a Vice President at Bank of America's managing travel and expense department. Prior to being V.P., she also worked for MetLife's Dental Claims department and Citizens Bank as a Day Trader. She also loved traveling, especially on cruise lines, gardening and cooking. She had six wonderful grandchildren whom were the light of her life.

Besides her husband and mother, she is survived by three children: Scott Marques of Cranston, Michael Marques of Warwick and Robin Tomlinson of Apex, NC; three brothers: Lawrence of North Scituate, Wayne of Warwick and John of North Kingstown and six grandchildren: Braelyn, Alyssa, Avery, Jack, Madeleine and Caroline.

A prayer service will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick at 4 PM on Saturday, September 14. Calling hours will be from 1-4 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA.
- See more at: http://www.carpenterjenks.com/obituary/Arlene-M.-Marques/Warwick-

Arlene M. (Franklin) Marques,, 62, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 after a long, but courageous battle with colon cancer. She was the devoted wife of John A. Marques of Warwick. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of Mary (Marcoccio) Franklin of Warwick and the late Lawrence Franklin.

Arlene was a Vice President at Bank of America's managing travel and expense department. Prior to being V.P., she also worked for MetLife's Dental Claims department and Citizens Bank as a Day Trader. She also loved traveling, especially on cruise lines, gardening and cooking. She had six wonderful grandchildren whom were the light of her life.

Besides her husband and mother, she is survived by three children: Scott Marques of Cranston, Michael Marques of Warwick and Robin Tomlinson of Apex, NC; three brothers: Lawrence of North Scituate, Wayne of Warwick and John of North Kingstown and six grandchildren: Braelyn, Alyssa, Avery, Jack, Madeleine and Caroline.

A prayer service will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick at 4 PM on Saturday, September 14. Calling hours will be from 1-4 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St
Framingham, MA. - See more at: http://www.carpenterjenks.com/obituary/Arlene-M.-Marques/Warwick-RI/1243485#sthash.o9d4knK2.dpuf

Arlene M. (Franklin) Marques,, 62, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 after a long, but courageous battle with colon cancer. She was the devoted wife of John A. Marques of Warwick. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of Mary (Marcoccio) Franklin of Warwick and the late Lawrence Franklin.

Arlene was a Vice President at Bank of America's managing travel and expense department. Prior to being V.P., she also worked for MetLife's Dental Claims department and Citizens Bank as a Day Trader. She also loved traveling, especially on cruise lines, gardening and cooking. She had six wonderful grandchildren whom were the light of her life.

Besides her husband and mother, she is survived by three children: Scott Marques of Cranston, Michael Marques of Warwick and Robin Tomlinson of Apex, NC; three brothers: Lawrence of North Scituate, Wayne of Warwick and John of North Kingstown and six grandchildren: Braelyn, Alyssa, Avery, Jack, Madeleine and Caroline.

A prayer service will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick at 4 PM on Saturday, September 14. Calling hours will be from 1-4 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St
Framingham, MA. - See more at: http://www.carpenterjenks.com/obituary/Arlene-M.-Marques/Warwick-RI/1243485#sthash.o9d4knK2.dpuf

Commemorating Pickett's Charge in honor of Robert B Franklin

My 4th great grandfather, 

Robert Berton Franklin, 

served in a NC regiment for two years during the Civil War. He became sick and was discharged. Robert Franklin was in Company B 34th regiment called the Sandy Run Yellow Jacket. His son, John P Franklin, was in Company I 56th regiment, called the Rutherford Rifles.  

I along with my son, Brandon, and grandson Charlie and granddaughter Brielle 

took part in the march on Weds, July 3, 2013 to commemorate Pickett's Charge. Brandon's wife, Rachel, who is from Ohio took part on the Union side. 

It was a moving experience to be able to walk in their footsteps 

of those who fought and died that fateful day in 1863. 
Photo as TAPS is played - Click photo to enlarge! 

family history found at the cemetery!

We visited the cemetery where my Grandpa and Grandma Franklin are laid to rest.  Brandon had been up the week before and helped Dad clean it up and cut the grass, etc. 

 Also found that Grandma's sister and husband are buried in the same cemetery at Thompson Chapel Baptist Church. Jennie Keeter Quinn and Mitchell Quinn.  There were lots of Keeters in this cemetery! 

 Just to the left of the grandparents is a small marker and flowers for my brother Stephen Anthony, who died a few hours after birth, on October 25 or 26 in 1956.  To the right of the grandparents is a small marker for my great grandmother, Granny Tina Keeter.  






While doing family history research on line, my sister Debbie found that in one census, Granny Keeter actually lived with the family of  J.J. Bates for a time, so we are not sure if she was adopted or what. We were excited to find his tombstone also.

Cindy with David and Leslie (1956)

A photo from the past, sure to bring some memories and smiles... looks like a normal spring day in 1956.  Cindy was a little over 2 years old when this photo was taken - with her sitting in the back of the truck with uncles David (left) and Leslie.  Maybe just returning from the grocery store?
Ah, the days of no car seats!

A rare photo of Mamaw and Punkin

We recently acquired this 

photo of a young 

Mildred and J L Baggett, Sr. 

or as my wife would call them 

"Mamaw and Punkin". 

Easter pics from back in the day!

April 1956 - you can tell this was Easter Sunday because the girls are all dressed up and one has a bonnet on her head.  Grandma Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin with my cousins: Judy, Dianne and Patsy (back row); Gloria and Barabara in front row with Grandma.

Martha and Gene Franklin

Easter 1960 - We went to visit our grandparents J.S. and Ethel Rice in North Carolina this Easter.  Grandma Rice is holding Loretta, and then Deborah and Tim (me)













Easter 1966 - My mom and dad posing in front of Grandma Franklin's house. 

Easter 1981 - Cousin Dianne Pettit's children dressed for Easter Sunday - Preston (front) and Miranda, Jamie and Ray Jr.(back)













Easter 1961 in Arkansas - My wife Cindy with her brothers and cousin - pictured left to right are Sam, Cindy, John and Morris

Pictures from back in the day! (1959)

Gene and Martha Franklin with children, Debbie, Tim and Loretta

Since my youngest sister was born in March, 1959 I would guess this picture was taken in the Summer or Fall of 1959. 

Pictures from back in the day! (1955)

Martha and Gene Franklin, April 1955

Here is a picture of mom and dad from April 1955. I guess she would be carrying me in the womb at about 2 months.  Looks like they are standing in front of their brand new 1954 Chevrolet!

Pictures from back in the day! (1952)

Gene Franklin, far left and Martha Franklin on piano

Dad with his quartet in a photo from December 1952 - and that's Mom playing the piano.  Once upon a time there were some 78 rpm recordings of this quartet.  No one seems to know what happened to them. Too bad.

Pictures from back in the day! (1951)

Gene and Martha Franklin (top photo) were married in a double ceremony on December 22, 1951 with Doris Howell and J.D Early. 

Pictures from back in the day! (1944)

This young kid is my dad, Gene Franklin.

He served in the US Navy during World War II (1944-1946)

He will be celebrating his 87th birthday this month. 

Martha' story, page 5

Mom continues her story. . . after the wedding, the honeymoon to .Gatlnburg . . .

Then we left for Asheville, N.C.  Doris and J.D. went with us because he did not have a car. We stayed at the Biltmore motel the first night. They asked us if we wanted a room together and when we giggled they knew better. The next day we went on to Gatlinburg, Tennesee, which was on a Sunday.

Before we left for Gatlinburg, we visited a church there in Asheville, North Carolina, where JD and Doris lived. Back then Gatlinburg wasn’t heard of, but for a long time now it has been a place where everybody wants to go!  On our way back home, my new husband bought me a new dress in Newport, Tennesee. I was real happy that he did this for me, and it seems that I remember that our folks were glad to see us back.              

Patricia Lee Franklin Brown (October 24, 1946-December 28, 2012)

(Photo of Pat with her three children taken at the family reunion in August)

Patricia Lee Franklin Brown, 66, of Cowpens, died Friday, December 28, 2012, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home.

Pat was born October 24, 1946 in Spartanburg County, a daughter of the late Oren Lee Kirby and Carrie Emily Franklin Jones and she was the widow of Donald McArthur Brown. A graduate of Cowpens High School and Spartanburg Technical College, she was an Administrative Assistant for The J. F. Floyd Mortuary for the past 11 years. Pat was a member of Westside Baptist Church of Cowpens, where she sang in the Church Choir, and also was a member of the IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals).

Pat is lovingly survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Donna B. and Michael P. Daly, Jr. of Cowpens; her sons, Jeffrey D. and Charity Frady Brown of Cowpens, C. Greg and Kylee Baxter Brown of Cowpens; her grandchildren, Michael P. "Trey" Daly, III, Logan Alexander Daly, Emilee Lynn Brown, Neeley Analise Brown, Nyah Addison Brown and Lydia Ellyse Brown, all of Cowpens; and her faithful and loving companion, Peanut. Pat was also predeceased by a son, Donald Brown, Jr., and her brothers, Jerry and Robert Kirby.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2012, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 31, 2012, at Westside Baptist Church, 4487 Cannons Campground Road, Cowpens, SC, conducted by the Rev. Travis Blackwell.

Burial will be in Daniel Morgan Memorial Gardens in Cowpens, SC.
Honorary escort will be current and former employees of The J. F. Floyd Mortuary.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to Westside Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 1497, Cowpens, SC 29330.
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